When my friend and I arrived to the Bissell Mansion a few weeks ago, the foyer was crowded with guests snacking on Crab Rangoon and toasted ravioli. Buttoned up for the special occasion, the two couples at our assigned table were already fast friends, laughing, joking and quick to make introductions: a Kansas City pair celebrating their 20^th anniversary and a slightly nervous couple out for one of their first dates.

The Bissell Mansion's shadowy posture overlooking the North City district sets the tone for a night of mystery theatre- especially when the theme is "It's a Wonderful Death." A parody of Frank Capra's classic "It's a Wonderful Life," the production follows a similar story line, but ties in new, outrageous characters, witty puns and an air of suspicion.  The Bissell Mansion is the oldest building in St. Louis and the ideal backdrop for this age-old tradition of storytelling.

Guests were welcomed into the mansion and assigned a script according to a pseudonym, some of them names from the original film (Clarence the Angel) and others clearly dreamed up by the staff at Bissell: Ima Pain, I.M. Devious and Dr. Willie Know. (But don't worry-everyone has the option to choose of a nonspeaking part!) George and Mary Bailey made their introductions from the center of the dining room, where throughout the evening guests were called into question concerning the death of Bailey. Three glasses of house wine later, the room was in hysterics over some of the crowd's classically awkward actors and other more confident players who were kindly ushered back to their seats.

During the intermissions between each act, waiters served a series of plates that amounted to a delicious four-course meal. I ordered the baked fish, which was presented with a nice helping of steamed vegetables. For dessert, our table seemed particularly taken by the chocolate mousse.

As the evening winded down, guests set down their cooling cups of coffee to explore the many quarters of the mansion. The building has retained some of its original signatures such as the detailing on the mantel, which dates back to the 1820's. Aside from a highly entertaining night of comedy (and mystery!), the mansion itself if worth the visit.

"It's a Wonderful Death" will be playing through the end of December. The Bissell Mansion will host "Dapper Flappers" January through April, 2012 and "Phantom of the Grand 'Ole Opry" from May through July, 2012.

For more information, please visit http://www.bissellmansiontheatre.com/History.htm or call the Bissell Mansion at 314-533-9830 or 1-800-690-9838.

From now until November 20^th, you'll be missing out if you're not in front of the silver screen at this year's  Stella Artois St. Louis International Film Festival (SLIFF). One of the largest film festivals in the Midwest, SLIFF spotlights international cinematic talent against the backdrop of classic St. Louis venues: The Tivoli, Plaza Frontenac, Webster University and Washington University.

SLIFF, which began on November 10^th, showcases an impressive variety of genres, from the story of a 100 year-old tennis champion and a team of basketball grandmothers "(Age of Champions"), to a German silent film ("The Wildcat"/ "Die Bergkatze"), to a series of short films, with themes like "Youth in Revolt," "Absurd," "Outsiders and Eccentrics." With over 400 films, the festival offers something for everyone: lighthearted films for a family night, WWII period pieces and high-art dramas to satisfy the tastes of the most urbane film critics.

On Monday evening a friend and I saw "Jane's Journey," the story of world-renowned scientist Jane Goodall- and also one of the best documentaries I've seen in years. Beginning her life's work as a 23 year-old researcher in Tanzania, Goodall continues to make contributions to the study of social behaviors of wild chimpanzees and champion social programs around the world. Just as much as the film documents Goodall as a scientist and social activist, it also captures the romance, loss and introspection of her personal life. Interviews with Goodall's son, personal assistant, family members, and colleagues add color and dimension to a name we've read in the news for years. Goodall is comfortingly kind, unshakably hopeful, and lovelier than ever at 75. 

Participate in the wonder of SLIFF by checking out cinemastlouis.org for the film schedule, ticket prices and other special events!

I had no idea what to expect when I arrived at the Hi-Pointe Theatre for opening night of the fourth annual Stella Artois QFest.  But after watching the first film short, I knew one thing.  I was in for a night of laughter.  "Queer Shorts" was one of the many productions of this weekend's LGBTQ-themed feature films, documentaries, and shorts. 

The Stella Artois QFest showcases contemporary gay cinema to recognize "the diversity and inherent complexities of living an alternative lifestyle in today's society."  And the nine queer shorts I saw last night did just that in a fun and entertaining manner that will make you want to spend your whole weekend watching every scheduled film. 

The film-short topics consisted of the budding romance of two men who meet in a bar,  online dating at gaysharktank.com, two women falling in love after one phone call, and many other hilarious satires. 

QFest will continue through Sunday, April 17^th.  On Friday there will be two films, Saturday will have four more, and Sunday will have the final four.  These films are too great not to see at least one.  Visit cinemastlouis.org/qfest for the official QFest schedule and ticket information.  Advance tickets sales are available through Brown Paper Tickets. 

Get out and have a queer weekend with Cinema St. Louis.  You won't be disappointed. 

More than 15 years ago, I went to a Van Gogh exhibit at Atlanta's High Museum of Art.  The chance to get up close to the works you see in textbooks, and watch the progression from darker paintings to the wondrously colorful subjects he painted later in his short life was mesmerizing.  You get much the same experience at "Van Gogh:  Brush With Genius" the new film at the OMNIMAX Theater at the Saint Louis Science Center, though not at your own pace.

The 45-minute film traces the 9-year period when Van Gogh produced his art.  Using his personal letters, narrated with snippets of film shot of the landscapes that inspired him, and the paintings that resulted, it brings a magnifying glass to the brushstrokes that made him famous.

The use of the OMNIMAX format to tell this story is an interesting approach.  It gives a shockingly close view of the brushstrokes and layers of color used to create his paintings.  More than anything, it shows the meticulous detail and the texture of the oil paints that make the images so memorable.  It's that incredible blend of color, that you often don't even realize is there, until it's looming over your head that gives the film its impact.

Vab Gogh:  Brush with Genius shows daily at 10am, 1pm and 4pm. Tickets are $8 for adults and $7 for kids and seniors.  Visit www.slsc.org to purchase in advance, or purchase at the Saint Louis Science Center ticket windows.

High Fidelity

A.E. Hotchner Theatre - Washington University Performing Arts Department

Saturday, June 13, 2008

As someone who has neither read the book nor seen the movie, I bought my $15 student ticket to this play having no idea what to expect. Well, I came out of the theater thoroughly satisfied and thoroughly amused. With a simple yet colorful and attractive set, New Line Theatre managed to take me right into the world of these characters. The narrative occurs through the eyes of the charismatic record store owner Rob, who boldly opens the play by stepping up front and center and addressing the audience. The play is his story, with him as the narrator, and we're in his head. Rob takes a great deal of license in stopping the action now and again to add commentary and justify his actions.

I would attribute High Fidelity's success to the laugh-out-loud funny score (there were moments I couldn't breathe) and the superb acting. The show ran without a glitch, and the extremely close quarters in the A.E. Hotchner Theatre at did not seem to be a problem. The witty humor was based in reality - the characters were just regular people from different walks of life. In fact, they were so regular at times that their struggles truly hit home. Although I was laughing most of the time, there were a few moments when the situation warranted a more somber mood, and I truly felt sympathy for the plight of the characters. Maybe we're all that funny/pathetic. I wish my life had musical accompaniment.

Being of a younger generation, I didn't get all of the musical references, but it didn't detract at all from my comprehension of the plot. My favorite songs were "Last Real Record Store on Earth," "Number Five With a Bullet," and "Turn the World Off (Turn You On)." The singer of "Turn..." has a phenomenal voice; I was enchanted. I got home and searched all over the internet for a download. Who knows? I might end up buying the soundtrack! I was not quite as enamored with the singing voice of the female protagonist, Laura; it tended to be weak at the upper end of the range and a bit whiny, as well.

The only issue I take with the script is the reference to Hinduism as a means for the negative characterization of Ian, the "other man." Being an Indian and a Hindu myself, I tend to maintain a good sense of humor about misinterpretations of my culture. However, I thought a line was crossed in the intense, almost orgy-like scene in which Ian calls himself ‘Shiva.' Still, I can take a joke and was not irrevocably irritated (just slightly put off) and continued to enjoy this scene and the rest of the show.

As for the rest of the audience, I can say they were a diverse bunch, including some high school students (some parts were a bit too racy for children), and all of them were laughing really hard. I'll surely be looking forward to New Line's next mod musical.

Ten Day Celebration of Films Underway!

Who doesn't like going to the movies? The popcorn, the perfect panoromic picture, the rush of an enthusiastic crowd. Then of course there is the movie itself, unfurling before you on a silver screen with sights and sounds of wonder and intrigue.

If this is your scene, or even if you think it might be then check out the 16th Annual AT&T St. Louis  International Film Festival. Whether your tastes bend towards the mainstream or extend to a particular niche like animation, documentories or contemporary Thai film, the folks at Cinema St. Louis have programmed films for you.

This years festival is a sprawling feast of cinematic intoxication with 271 films, industry workshops, meet and greets, discussions and other programming that will reel you in.to the host venues, Tivoli Theater, Plaza Frontenac Theater, Pulitzer Foundation, Webster University, St. Louis Art Museum,  COCA (Center of Contemporary Arts) and Washington University (Steinberg Hall Auditorium).

Several special events are planned this year including an opening night screening of "The Honeydripper" with SLIFF Lifetime Achievement recipients John Sayles and Maggie Renzi, a  program on the work of Walt Disney by author and film critic Neal Gabler complete with a special program of seldom seen Disney shorts. "Water Films with Peter Greenaway," held in conjunction with the Pulitzer Foundation's "Water" exhibit, features SLIFF Lifetime Achievement recipient Greenaway screening and discussing a mix of his water related films including "Drowning by Numbers." 

There will also be screenings of two silent restored silent film clasics. On November 10th Teinosuke Kinugasa's 1928 expressionistically gorgeous "Crossroads" screens at the St. Louis Art Museum at 7p.m.with musical accompaniment by New Music Circle. At 7 p.m. on November 16^th The Art St. Louis Art Museum hosts a  restored presentation of John Ford's epic silent western masterpeice , "The Iron Horse" with musical accompaniment by organist Stan Kann.  

Because the art of cinema makes our world smaller and helps us understand the uniqueness of other cultures, 40 countries are represented with movies in this years festival. This diversity, combined with the large amount of films being screened makes it impossible for someone to not find something to be interested in.

Everything you possibly need to know about the 16th Annual AT&T St. Louis  International Film Festival is available through the Cinema St. Louis website. www.cinemastlouis.org

Rob Levy